Hargreaves queried how many of those out on loan actually have a chance of successfully breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge and called on the Premier League to impose a limit on the number of players a club can loan out at any time.

"They shouldn't be allowed to have 35 players on loan – the Premier League shouldn't allow it," the former England midfielder was quoted as saying by London Evening Standard.

"Those players should be at small teams that need quality offensive players, they should play there full-time.

"I know they get say £20,000-a-week, some of these young kids, but it is not beneficial for their career.

"How many of those kids do you never really hear from? Marko van Ginkel, how many times has he been on loan? He's been there for about five years and he's been on loan about four.

"They shouldn't be able to accumulate that many players and have them on loan. I just don't agree with it. I think the Premier League should find a way to affect that, I don't think it is right."

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is currently on a season-long loan at Swansea CityGetty Images

The Blues were trailing 2-1 early on in the second half and looked on course for a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League, before a Michy Batshuayi double and a Cesar Azpilicueta header gave the hosts a much-needed win.